A First Look At The Philippines' New Generation Currency (NGC) Coin Series

The new designs are finally here. Read on to learn how to differentiate between the six coins and avoid confusion.

Today, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas gave us a first look at the New Generation Currency coins.

According to the Philippine Information Agency, the new coins are designed to deter counterfeiting and improve wear and corrosion resistance capabilities.

Producing these coins is also more cost-effective as they are made from materials that are unlikely to have volatile price swings. It also deters the illegal hoarding of coins for melting and shipment to other countries.

10 piso coin

Source: Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas

Features images of Apolinario Mabini and the Kapa-Kapa plant

The edge is milled lettering spelling out "Bangko Sentral"

5 piso coin

Source: Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas

Features images of Andres Bonifacio and the Tayabak plant

Has a plain edge

1 piso coin

Source: Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas

Features images of Jose Rizal and the Waling-Waling Plant

Has an intermittent reed edge

25 sentimo coin

Source: Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas

Features images of a stylized Philippine flag and a Katmon Plant

Has a plain edge

5 sentimo coin

Source: Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas

Features images of a stylized Philippine flag and a Kapal-Kapal Baging plant

Has a reeded edge

1 sentimo coin

Source: Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas

Features images of a stylized Philippine flag and a Mangkono plant

Has a plain edge

Netizens react to the New Generation Currency coins

Though some have praised the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas for these coins' new designs, many have pointed out that the new designs are just plain confusing.

The new 5-piso coin was released ahead of the rest of the coins in late 2017, and many had already complained about its similarities to the old 1-piso coin. Now that the new coin designs have been rolled out, it seems like it will be even more difficult to tell the coins apart.

The main gripe is the coins' colour — they seem to be all made of the same material. "I literally have to use a flashlight when I pay [at night]," one Facebook user complained.

Others pointed out that it seemed unnecessary to bring back the 1-sentimo coin, while getting rid of the more utilised 50- and 10-sentimo coin.

It'll take some time to get used to these new coins, so take the time to familiarize yourself with all their features to avoid confusion in the future.

What do you think of the Philippines' New Generation Currency coins? Let us know in the comments!